Kathmandu, April 25 (IANS): Over 150 tattoo artists from various countries have gathered here for the 5th International Nepal Tattoo Convention, billed as the biggest in South Asia.

The convention, which started on Friday, is also one of the best tattoo conventions in Asia, Xinhua reported.

Renowned tattoo artists from India, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Britain are participating in the convention.

The three-day event is organised annually with an aim to gather tattoo lovers and enthusiasts who share the passion of body art.

"We have been organising this event since last five years to bring together the artists and art enthusiasts from across the world. It has also been a platform to promote the rich Nepalese art and culture through tattoos," Nepali tattoo artist, Mohan Gurung said.

There are more than 100 tattoo booths in the convention displaying traditional to tribal to creative designs.

Tattoo culture is emerging as a lucrative business in Nepal in the recent times with establishment of dozens of tattoo studios.

"Local tattoo artists are quite popular among the foreigners because of their designs related to Nepalese culture and religious images," Gurung added.